R-4 SD passes reviews in grant process

Wednesday, August 17, 2011By Lindsay Reed

The Cassville R-4 School Board received an update on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) project at its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 11.

Last year, the district applied for a FEMA grant that will provide 70 percent of the funding needed to construct a storm shelter on the R-4 campus. Cassville has remained a candidate for the funding by passing the first and second reviews in the grant application process.

"We applied for this before the tornado happened in Joplin," said Superintendent Richard Asbill. "That makes it more evident that we need a place that can withstand storms to protect our children and teachers."

If the district receives the 70/30 matching grant, the old middle school field house will be demolished to make space for the storm shelter. Once the project is complete, the shelter will serve as a multipurpose facility also.

"We will need to build the facility according to specific requirements," said Asbill. "It will need to have the right concrete, a back-up power system and restrooms capable of serving a certain number of students.

"If we receive approval for the project, we are still a year and a half away from completion of a storm shelter," said Asbill. "It will likely be 18 to 20 months before that facility opens."

In other business, the board approved the employment of 86 substitute teachers.